The Forest Service is the Nation’s foremost Federal forestry organization, providing leadership in the management, protection, use, research, and stewardship of natural and cultural resources on our country’s vast forests and grasslands. Our organization functions within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), propelled by a dedicated workforce of permanent and temporary seasonal employees that exceeds 40,000 employees during the peak summer work season. The Forest Service was established in 1905 to sustainably manage our national forests and promote conservation across the land. We in the Forest Service are committed to retaining forests and grasslands for present and future generations.

• We manage a system of 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands for the public good that is nearly twice the size of California—193 million acres in 43 States, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. These lands include specially designated wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, national monuments, research and experimental areas, and other unique natural and cultural treasures. • We operate a network of research units, laboratories, and experimental forests and rangelands to conduct leading-edge research on all aspects of forestry, rangeland management, biological and physical sciences, socioeconomics, forest uses, and more. • We help communities; State, local, and tribal governments; forest industries; and private forest landowners improve conditions in both urban and rural areas. • We operate Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers to educate and train America’s youth. • We help other nations and international groups manage and conserve the world’s forest resources.

Overview: 2017-2020 Intermountain Region’s Strategic Framework VALUE OF THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK The 32,000,000-plus acres within the Intermountain Region represent nearly 17% of all National Forest System lands managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. To understand and respond to the ever-changing social, economic, technological, political, and physical environment, the Intermountain Region embarked on a strategic planning effort. The goal of this effort is to understand key issues, challenges, influences, and opportunities facing the Intermountain Region in order to set Regional direction for the next four years. The output of that effort resulted in our 2017-2020 Strategic Framework.